Charles, Army
August 2013 Class
Age: 28 Years in Service: 4.5 Years Rank: E5
Served in: Iraq
Warrior’s Story:
I grew up in Everest, Kansas with my mother and stepfather that I loved, respected and considered my “real dad”, along with two brothers and sisters. After high school, I joined the Army and spent 4.5 years serving my country. I was trained as an Infantryman and stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA. I did tours to Tal-Afar and Mosul, Iraq where I trained for M-203 and filled in as a Stryker driver. I will never forget the Outlaws 2nd Platoon I fought with in Iraq because of the good and bad times we had together. If it wasn’t for my Squad Leader, I wouldn’t be here today.
My greatest gifts are my two daughters, JLynn (7) and Peyton (4). I don’t know where I would be without them. As difficult as my everyday life can be, I know that I need to try and enjoy each day I have with my girls and be there to watch them grow. Family will always be my main focus looking forward.
About PTSD:
It is hard to talk to people about my service. When they find out I went to combat, I get a lot of questions about “killing people” and how it felt to be in combat. It is the worst feeling ever because it reminds me of all of my buddies who did not make it. Walking into a crowded place causes tremendous anxiety. Places people go to everyday, like Target and the grocery store, are a challenge. I am looking forward to taking my new battle buddy on walks and clearing my head each day, opening up more.
Looking forward to:
I am looking forward to getting back into activities I used to enjoy. Being involved in baseball, bowling, fishing and coaching sports would make me happy again. I would also love to return to work one day and continue to improve my life, step by step.
About Freedom:
Name: Freedom
Breed: Lab
Freedom is a 10 month old male red Labrador Retriever. He was donated by breeder Ray Ellis as a puppy and was raised by a foster until he was old enough to start his training. Freedom is a very motivated, very expressive dog who will do absolutely anything for food. He loves tennis balls and playing fetch, but he's just as happy relaxing on the couch. His laid back, go with the flow attitude makes him a perfect match for his warrior.
Team Updates
25Aug
Chuck shares his thoughts on the program and some of his plans when he returns home. Chuck cannot wait to begin his new life Freedom!Read More >>
24Aug
Chuck talks a little about himself and what branch he served in. He continues by sharing his thoughts of what he thought the program would be like and how having Freedom has impacted his life.Read More >>
22Aug
Chuck receives his diploma for graduating. Throughout the program, Freedom was a constant supporter for Chuck. They couldn't have made a better team.Read More >>
21Aug
Freedom and Chuck go to the Gator Farm to see how Freedom would react to the exotic birds and alligators. Though the gators were ten times Freedoms size, he still wanted to make friends with them!Read More >>
16Aug
Chuck practices several different commands with Freedom. He worked on sit and down-stays, behind and his ability to pay attention with all of the surrounding distractions. Freedom passed with an A+ for the day. He performed perfectly and made his dad very proud!Read More >>
14Aug
Chuck takes Freedom to the mall where he works on his cover. A good test for the dogs is the train that rides throughout the mall. Freedom definitely had an interest in it but never broke his sitting position. Way to go Freedom!Read More >>
13Aug
Freedom takes a trip to the Fantasy Farm with his new owner. Freedom got excited a few times with all the animals running around in their cages, but he just wanted to make a friend!Read More >>
5Aug
Chuck meets Freedom for the first time and there was an instant connection. Freedoms livly and playful personality will help Chuck get out in public more and keep him grounded when hes having a bad day.Read More >>